The Red Lion in Cherwell

Lovely food, staff very friendly, service time appalling, we waited 90minute fior our main course, then felt ignored when it came to deserts so gave up paid and left. Allow at least 90minutes if they are busy. Shame.

Best fish and chips in the area, great service and lovely seating outside in the sunshine with the dogs.

Absolutely amazing food and service

Lovely, friendly pub. Thry can't do enough for you. Pretty garden.

Excellent lunch off the light bites menu. 3 courses ideal for seniors. Great welcome and very friendly service. Thanks

My daughter decided to treat me to Sunday lunch and this was her choice of restaurant. There was a very big menu to choose from, so if you don't fancy a big roast, you don't have to have one. I had a wonderful turkey roast, with all the trimmings. I had to decide whether to eat it all and not have a dessert or leave a bit...I left some! The apple crumble pie is delicious and while it's cold and damp outside, this is a pudding of choice. We had a warm welcome, and there was a lovely big fire burning in the bar. I'll have to bring friends next time.

My boyfriend booked a table here, knowing I like this pub. We were looked after very well by Cameron & Charlie. The cocktails and wine were flowing well and the steak i had was cooked just right. The chocolate fondant to finish was divine 😋 Looking forward to my next trip out that way.

We have eaten here many times in the past and have always been very pleased with everything. So it was Valentines night and my hubby booked this as a surprise dinner for us to spend the evening. I have never known a place go downhill so quickly. We arrived for our table that was prebooked. We were sat in a smaller room than the main restaurant. Not a problem but we were left sitting for at least 20 minutes with no acknowlegement, no menu and no drink. One very young waiter running around. Trying to do everyone's job. Eventually we got a drink and some menus. The starters were not anything I wanted but there was a sharing platter of nachos. I asked if they could do one portion for me alone and hubby ordered a soup. To be told they had no nachos and no soup. ????? After saying we wouldn't have a starter then and go straight to the main course, again we sat waiting, then suddenly another guy appeared saying he was really sorry and they did have soup???? He asked maybe there would be something on the extras menu that I could have. Well yes ok I'll have the garlic ciabatta. To be honest I wanted a 'nice' starter. The garlic bread was okay but bear in mind this is Valentines night. I'm at a loss how you could run out of nachos to be honest. Is Valentines not an important night where you expect to be busy? No prawn cocktail or mackerel with salad. Nothing normal that you'd expect to see. In the end my meal consisted of garlic bread and scampi. Wow that was Valentines night ruined. We got profuse apologies from two staff that were there at the end of the evening and a very small discount for our trouble. Sorry not good enough. The staff I enquired about who had been there a long time no longer worked there seems they just walked. I won't be going back there in a hurry I'm afraid how can such a good place go down hill so fast? I have to say i think virtually everyone eating in that room complained. Not a good reputation to have.

Had an excellent meal with my sister. Made to feel very welcome and were so helpful with catering for allergies not on your general list (cooked separately and meal came tagged to be sure it was the correct one served. Will definitely be back

They have this amazing creamy peppercorn sauce that goes with their steaks. It's amazing. Which of course gives you a great excuse to have the steak. Service was great & witty too.

Lovely staff, appreciated Griff’s magic on Christmas Day…..!! Thank you all

Thank you for a great meal last night. Food and service was great and we had a lovely evening.

Love this relaxed country pub - food always 10/10 we love the roast dinners and good puds! Staff are excellent so friendly and helpful - great atmosphere, doggy friendly thanks!

We had a really lovely meal here. The manager then went above and beyond to help us when we struggled to get a taxi home at the end of the evening. Thank you so much!

This used to be a regular place to go to until we moved to Devon 7 years ago. We now love back in the area and decided to have lunch there today as the food was always top notch. It was absolutely amazing, from staff meeting you at the door to take you to your table, to the very tasty food they have to offer ( The cranberry and white chocolate cheesecake was delicious 😋!) Roast beef was cooked to perfection as was the roast chicken that my wife had. They also offer some Gluten Free options too. We look forward to visiting again soon. Thanks so much

Came here for a family meal and were really impressed by the food, surroundings and staff. One of the best pub meals we’ve had for a very long time. A special thanks to the waiter with the Santa hat who showed our children a few amazing magic tricks- you were brilliant! We will be back.

Traditional country pub with modern menu and exceptional service. Very welcoming of our family too!

Myself and my partner were lucky enough to stumble across this gem and land ourselves a last minute cancellation for Sunday lunch! The food was outstanding and very fairly priced given the quality! Full of flavour and plenty of it! The bottomless veg, potatoes and Gravy were a stunning little touch! The staff were so friendly! I was even treated to a little bit of birthday magic from our waiter. Great food, great staff, great service! 10/10, would recommend!

Brilliant Sunday roasts. Visited for the first time and will definitely be back. One of the best roasts we have had in the local and nearby area. Great portions of quality produce and good value for money.

Good for and staff definitely go back.

Absolutely fabulous staff and fantastic food, amazing burgers, staff where friendly and very friendly and helpful when wanting to know the best thing to order

Great pub with very good staff and super food.

Nice dinner with friends but we were the only customers. It didn't matter that we were alone as we were entertaining enough on our own but I do worry that places aren't sustainable without support.

After stopping for some lunch time refreshments and looking at the food menu, we decided to book a table for our evening meal. The food was very enjoyable and well cooked, as it should be. The staff were obliging and friendly and the overall ambience of the pub was conducive to an an enjoyable evening, no complaints from us, worth a visit.

I recently visited The Red Lion with my wife and children (aged 1 and 4), and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by an amazing host (so sorry I didn’t get your name!) who instantly engaged with the kids and made them laugh while he showed us to our table. Once seated, we were left in the very capable hands of Henrietta. She was attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. We had initially booked for Sunday lunch, but after seeing the other items on the menu, I changed my mind and ordered what I can only describe as the best Sea Bass dish I’ve ever had. Cooked to absolute perfection, the flavors were insane! Hats off to the kitchen staff who really know what they’re doing! My wife had the chicken, leek and tarragon pie, which was new on the menu for the day. The flavors and presentation of this dish were incredible. What really sets this place apart is how family-friendly it is. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a meal with your young children, look no further. The staff are understanding and accommodating, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. My son banged his head on the table while getting down, and the host (again, so sorry I didn’t get your name!) was at our table within seconds with a free scoop of ice cream for him, which settled him instantly. The instinctive nature of the staff at this place is brilliant. If you’re looking for delicious food, outstanding service, and a warm and welcoming environment, The Red Lion should be at the top of your list. I can’t recommend it enough!

Visited for a roast dinner and was quite disappointed. The staff are really friendly and efficient, it’s just a shame that the food lets them down. The roast had frozen roast potatoes and the remainder seemed to be reheated. Would not recommend.

Had Sunday lunch, it was very busy but food and service was excellent.

Absolutely fabulous food and staff are amazing, cater for every need and everything you need or ask for. Smiles all round everytime you visit!

Came in with my girlfriend for dinner. We both had burgers and was very good. Service was good. Good selection of menu and drinks, although they are having a new menu soon.

Had a very nice Sunday lunch at the Red Lion with my sister and her husband. Always a warm welcome and very nice food. Nice atmosphere, friendly helpful staff. Lovely pub with nice outside space.

The food quality was out standing and in amazing time. Served by two beautiful young ladies. Tayler and Kirsty service with a smile as per usual.

Fab pub, fab service, fab food!

Great service from tayla, jack and kirsty. Food was amazing. Will definitely be returning as soon as possible with family.

I cannot thank Kirsty and the Red Lion Adderbury Team for their incredible service at our very last minute work lunch. I called requesting a very last minute table for a large party with the added preface that we needed to be very quickly in and out. The staff on the day were fully prepared for us and we had our drinks and meals come out before every member of our party had even taken their seats. The service was exemplary and I could not recommend this location more! Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!!

We went for a Sunday roast - very disappointing, after a long wait we were served up a turkey roast - Microwaved veg, old pre-warmed roast (extremely salty) dry turkey, a rubbery yorkshire pud, and lumpy gravy - with an extremely hot plate... I would have complained but all the staff looked like they had already had the day from hell... Don't think we will be returning!!!

I had been in Banbury town for the Armed Forces day celebrations and decided to pop into the Red Lion on my way home for a little dessert. Although very busy, there was a spare table on the patio where I sat and enjoyed a Brownie Sundae. As the sun was out, it would have been rude not to have a drink also...with a wide selection if gins, I chose the Malfy Rosa and was recommended the Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic to go with it. Love the local vibe, love how they welcome everyone like old friends.

A truly exceptional country pub. We had the 48hr pork belly roast and the chocolate cheesecake and both were the best we’ve ever eaten (and we eat out a lot). Bottomless vegetables and gravy was an unexpected bonus we hadn’t encountered before. The value here certainly exceeds the price. The staff were super friendly, led by the proprietor who is visibly present, hosting generously and genuinely ensuring everyone is completely satisfied. Great beers - notably Timothy Taylor which is a personal favourite - and lots of outside tables, about half of which seem to be for walk-ins (love this). In a word: outstanding.

We stopped at The Red Lion by chance- passing through Guildford and needing lunch- and checked local reviews. What an outstanding choice. Warm welcome on arrival - despite no reservation and it being Father’s Day! Found us a table which was free for 75 minutes- which was perfect. Service was warm and efficient. We ordered smoked salmon with Guinness and treacle bread and haloumi chips to start and the veggie roast and a pork roast. The food was delicious. Clearly made with quality ingredients and by a skilled chef/team. So far above average pub food. Would look for reasons to come to this area again simply to visit this pub. Also the aspect across the green is delightful, and it is dog friendly.. Highly recommend.

Our first visit, to the the Red Lion in May 2024, was a family occasion to remember a family member who passed away. We had family guests from America, Horsham, Reading and neighbours from Crawley. There were 7 children (ages 11 through to 2) in the party who were all served their meals with plenty of sauces and ice cream and sticky toffee pudding. Keeping them very happy whilst the adults all reminisced and enjoyed their food, Big thumbs up! The food was served hot and timely - Everyone enjoyed themselves and their food which was fabulous, we were had excellent service from Chris and his staff. Great atmosphere. Children went across to the nearby cricket field to let off steam and came back to fresh cold water to cool them down. thank you The Stewarts and families

The Red Lion is our favourite local pub. We always receive an amazingly warm welcome from Sean and his staff who are always so considerate. The food is outstanding, beautifully presented, represents terrific value and the standard is always high. Lunch at this venue is a huge pleasure every time. Highly recommended!

A fantastic venue for genuinely incredible and passionately made food! The staff were superb. Highly recommend

This place will live in my dreams. I cannot - can NOT - over rate this experience. A quintessential British Pub with ample seating. Since I can’t compare my meal there (a Sunday roast) to any other since it was my first, I can only compare it to other meals I’ve had in my life. This was simply one of the best 10 meals I’ve ever had in my lifetime. It was partly the food, for sure. We ordered 4 different roasts - a pork belly, a beef, a chicken, and a mushroom vegetarian. All were spectacular. Add in a sourdough starter with herbed butter and a separate order of mouthwatering chips as a side. All were indescribably delicious. The care and thoughtfulness put into each and every decision in each dish is evident. What put this experience over the top is the man who runs the place - Sean. Sean was so genuinely pleased to have us, not only there as friends of his regulars, not only as traveling Americans, but also as first timers to his place - and - first timers for a “proper” Sunday Roast. His hospitality is unmatched. A naturally gregarious sort, I imagine that his and his staff’s approach to a pub experience is one of the many reasons for the Red Lion’s high ratings. We are already thinking of returning to the UK for a visit, and working a stop into the Red Lion for a meal and a pint is on the list.

Very welcoming quintessentially English village green gastropub. Big thanks to Sean the landlord for making us feel very welcome. First visit there. Great location too.

Just had lunch at the red lion for the first time in 4 years will not be another 4 years before our next visit...there is only one word that decribes our visit 'faultless' Service was fantastic and the belly of pork was probably the best I have tasted. Nothing was to much trouble great to find a venue were service is king......

Gorgeous gem of a pub. Really recommend.

Staff are really friendly and helpful Great atmosphere Food is amazing, if I lived closer I'd be here often

Absolutely lovely staff, the manager could not have been more helpful, friendly and charming. The food was very good and service quick. It's a 'local' for me, have been before and will certainly go again.

Food was good. Service was ok older lady that brought our meal was a little put off as had to go all the back to the other side of the bar to get my sister some ketchup. But will visit again.

Brilliant traditional Surrey pub. Great food. Staff are friendly and chatty. Dog friendly.

We booked this pub for lunch quite by chance, en route to a family event. Having been a licensee myself for over thirty years, these people are doing everything right. A lovely welcome greeting. Attentive but not intrusive service. An excellent menu which offers value for money. And, to cap it all, they passed my acid test - a properly kept and served pint of cask ale.

What a place, great location, food out of this world and staff so welcoming. You must try

I visited this pub during a post funeral get together. The manager is charming as were the bar staff. There is a lovely garden and the interior exudes a sense of history. Parking is easy and the Red Lion is both dog and baby friendly. I have no idea of how expensive, or inexpensive the drinks and food is (as I was a guest). The food consisted of sandwiches and chips. I realize that this does not represent culinary rocket science... but they were delicious. I live in Teddington, where the pubs are expensive, anonymous and totally lacking in any sense of hospitality, and don't really like pubs in this country much at all. I would, however, be very happy to go back to the Red Lion. I wish the manager and his staff the best of luck.

If you want good food, professional service and a great setting then this pub has all that. Lovely country pub. thanks. Shaun

We decided on an impromptu evening out for dinner. We hadn't booked but we were made really welcome and they found us space to eat. We couldn't have asked for more. We had a lovely meal and were waited on by Zoe and Jack. They couldn't do enough for us. The meal was excellent and the staff wonderful. A lovely meal in ambient surroundings. We'll be back.

I won’t mix my words but possibly the best Sunday roast ever. Met by the founder a Mr Sean. What a lovely human being an old school gent is the best way to describe. We were meant to be seated outside but he quickly turned this around for the inside. Recommended a beautiful light local ale which I devoured in 5 mins. Ordered food and probably within 10 or 15 mins food arrived piping hot, abundant and well presented. The food was divine every last mouthful. My kids are fussy eaters and they finished the lot. Wife was sceptical but gob smacked as the food was just incredible along with the first class service. Sean spoke to us throughout the meal with suggestions and pleasant family banter. What’s really apparent is how busy the place became with one half hour. How Sean dealt with every customer like his life depended on it and how each customer warmed to him. Staff super attentive learning from the maestro. Can’t fault the place now etched in my mind. I’ve travelled the world and gone to many places to eat but this place is a 10/10 and I never give a 10 to anyone. Well done Sean. See you and your team soon. Avy and Family.

Nice country pub good selection of well cooked food friendly staff 😋

A charming pub set in a beautiful part of the country. Staff were welcoming and enthusiastic and the service was excellent. We all enjoyed our food choices from the menu and look forward to visiting the Red Lion again very soon.

My wife and I ate here and had a wonderful meal with our friends - Tye and Kirst. I'd recommend the pate and pork belly main course as they were delicious. Thanks for looking after us there @Sean

Popped into a quick beer whilst fishing, Shaun (the boss) was extremely kind and helped us out with coal, logs and even some very special burger sauce for our night camping, service is exceptional!

I took my mum out for lunch as a late mother's day treat. Mum had the Gammon and I had a steak. Both cooked very well. Service was wonderful, the young girl serving us couldn't do enough. Looking forward to our next visit.

We were 5 minuets early for our booking to find a couple were sitting at our reserved table, the waitress asked the couple to move to another table as the table booking had arrived, we sat there getting daggers off the moved couple until they left. For my main course I ordered salmon, to be informed they had no spinach that went with it, I was asked if I would mind having salad instead which I didn't, my salmon came out my salad consisted of two cut up cherry tomatoes and two slices of cucumber and a load of garnish that looked like grass, by the time the waitress asked if every thing was ok I had eaten the meal which consisted of one salmon filled a poached egg and a small amount of crispy potatoes I said to the waitress that I was very disappointed with the salad, explained what it consisted of, her reply was oh didn't she do the salad! the waitress did offer to do a salad for me but I had already eaten the meal, to top it all My husband was asked if he wanted condiments as there were none on the table he asked for vinegar which didn't materialize at all. Service 2/10 meal that actually got eaten 3/10 if you can find somewhere else, go there.

Really friendly, really good food!

Excellent experience. The food was amazing, and the service incredibly friendly. The owner made us feel very welcome, will definitely be returning!

Lovely welcoming pub Friendly staff , good selection of drinks and food Would recommend to families Dog friendly even have treats and doggy ice creams for after a walk in the village

Wow what a great place for a family Sunday Lunch. Staff could not be more helpful….a great team. Food was delicious and well presented. Could not fault the place - we will be back. ☺️

I regularly meet up with a friend and go for a walk. We like to stop for a warm drink, and the Red Lion never fails. Although I am a tea drinker and they do have a good selection, I enjoy a hot chocolate and their luxury ones just make it all the better. Always stop for a hot, hot chocolate and a pastry.

Excellent food, excellent service and a very friendly staff

Such a warm welcome, great service and delicious food. Twice cooked soufflé and thrice cooked potato cake- amazing! And on a busy valentines night. We wished we had brought our dog because there is also a superb dog menu.

A little more recent feedback... I found myself working in shamley green today so I called into the Red Lion for lunch... Sean is still at the helm and as welcoming as ever. I was greeted by Griff who recommended the salmon / Pollock and potato fish cakes WOW... !! .... What a delight, light to the palette but enough to satisfy a hungry person. The chef really made this dish something to be proud of... He has added a little bit of finesse to an already very desirable place to eat, It's the little touches like burning the lion branding into the burger buns (photo) top chefs are hard to find but Sean seems to have found a keeper. Each time I've been here, the food has been off the chart compared to the usual branded chains... Proper Chef made food not the usual processed stuff. Everything is prepared from scratch and made fresh from the best quality ingredients... The difference in taste is something you have to experience to appreciated. I've been in the kitchen and watched them preparing the dishes and the hygiene standards are up there with the best. This meal was delicious and my compliments to the chef, the home made Gribiche (sauce) was so light and fresh it really completed the dish beautifully. I just wish this place was closer to home... I would Highly recommended it's definitely worth the journey even if you have to travel to get here Evo. Ps... Dogs definitely welcome !! Doggy dinners and treats are available at the bar... (Photos) 🐶🦴🐕 ---------------------------- I called in here today... I was amazed at the quality of the food, I had the burger and fries... A huge handmade burger which is probably one the best I've ever tasted. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned with plenty of fresh salad. When I arrived was greeted by Sean the owner, he was really friendly and welcoming to all the customers. The Red Lion is a beautiful old country pub which has been tastefully renovated with a real homely feel. This pub is a real credit to Sean spotlessly clean, bright and fresh and all the staff I met were friendly and very helpful. This pub has plenty of inside and outside tables and a top quality chef, What more could you ask for 🙂 Photos show my burger and fries and a few items of the food that was being prepared in the kitchen. If your in the area then I highly recommend popping in to enjoy the service and the fantastic food. 😋😋😋

We ate a Sunday roast at the Red Lion - I cannot recommend this place enough!!! The food is INCREDIBLE. The cheese soufflé was the best I've eaten in my life; all the meat we tried for our mains; and the puddings!!!!!! the best 4 puddings I've ever had, could not have picked a favourite. If you do anything, come here for the food!!! The staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful. Had a fantastic day here. Thank you! Annie

A first class experience, from start to finish. We stayed one night, with evening meal and breakfast, though we had been before many years ago. It is clearly a really well managed Inn. The initial greeting was friendly and professional, the room spotlessly clean and well prepared, our evening meal was delicious, plentiful and of good quality, with very friendly and amusing waiting staff, and the breakfast was also excellent and with great choice available. If you add in the value for money, for an traditional experience of village inns, the Red Lion would be very difficult to beat. We would recommend it without hesitation.

The battered fish was Tilapia! I prefer cod or haddock and so had to choose something else from the menu. This was extremely disappointing

As a person on my own, I crave for one thing to start with, a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere, take it from me, you will get this every time you visit The Red Lion. I visit this pub when ever I am in the area as apart from the warm welcome, the service is always done in a cheerful friendly manner, any dietary problems dealt with when ordering from the menu, the food is always served “hot”, and presentation is “spot on” 👍. The team and the locals are always on hand to give you any advice and tips on the places of interest in the surrounding area that might be helpful in your search. To add in this cold weather, there is a lovely open log fire to greet you, say no more 😁 just pop in and see for yourself. plus dogs are welcome !!

My husband and I came in for lunch on Saturday just gone. Although they were clearly busy, we were seated and looked after quickly. We both had lovely meals, and hot coffees. The staff were in good spirits although running around. Food was great, service was fantastic. Can’t wait for my next visit

Really lovely pub with delicious food and really great service. Cosy in the winter with a roaring fire and a great spot on the edge of the green for a sunny drink outside in the summer.

It's always good to be there; for food or a drink. New chef and great menu items March 2023

Lovely catch up with family today at The Red Lion , Shamley. Great food, attentive and helpful staff. Highly reccomend

Christmas lunch was really lovely. The food and service were really good. Thank you

A quiet Monday evening but an excellent pizza! The staff were very friendly and helpful. Just a shame they decided on last orders at 9.30, even though there was a group of 8 drinkers & 2 having eaten and drunk. Still worth going for their pizzas.

What an experience! :) incredible food made by the chef and owner, Sean! Great staff and service. And an additional bonus, the doggy menu! Will be back.. often!

We stayed for a week here while visiting family. The entire staff were amazing and very accommodating. Food was excellent and our room 5stars very comfortable. We will be returning

Excellent service, excellent food , excellent drinks and excellent staff , all round excellence Bosh

This is the best pub around! Most amazing staff. Food is brilliant, Always welcomed with a smile. 100% recommend popping in.

Lovely pub, went for lunch and it was very nice. Great service and really good food. This is the 2nd time we have eaten here in the last month.

A real treat, fantastic food all freshly prepared with a menu that changes. The food and service reflect the care and enthusiasm from the whole team.

Just spent a couple of nights staying at the Red Lion. From the moment we arrived to when we left we were very much treated as valued guests. All the staff were so polite and accommodating to our changing requests and everything was done with a genuine smile. Their was an extensive food menu available and all was delicious. Cannot wait to return early next year.

Lovely pub and superb restaurant

A very cosy and lovely country pub with amazing food and very kind and joyful staff.

Visited with some friends on a Wednesday afternoon. We found our server (an older lady) who was really rude. She had an attitude when we said we were waiting for a couple of friends to turn up as the kitchen closing at 3pm (although the...

Great local to meet friends for drinks. Come in with family often too! Staff always happy and great you by name. Top pub.

Came in for dinner & a few drinks with my family to celebrate a birthday. Food was very good quality for money and service was quick. I enjoyed the Salmon Florentine, the poached egg on top was just right. The others all enjoyed their meals...

Great establishment. Very friendly bar staff (Greg andChris), and friendly and chatty clientelle. Popped in for a "quick one" between buses, and ended up having 4 (and missing several buses). Suffice to say I did make it home, but will be back! Keep up the good work.

Between Banbury and Oxford this village location, Adderbury, is ideal for visiting many places of interest, and to add, the only place to “ chill out” as they say, is The Red Lion Hotel in Adderbury !! The situation of the hotel is perfect for...

We travel around the Bicester area in a breakfast club as an excuse to keep in touch with some very dear friends. This may well be the best breakfast we have ever had. Exceptionally good food, beautifully presented, and we were served so quickly too

Two of us had the sirloin steaks, they were very thin, medium was cooked well-done. Also very grizzly, 1/3 was left on my plate having chewed and had to spit back out! The man serving us was very nice and did a good job. Would...

We regularly use the pub to meet up with friends and family for a few drinks. We really enjoy the friendly banter and the family feel of the pub. Will keep coming back.

Good service, comfortable surroundings. Beer was tasty. Scampi and fish and chips were ordered. Portion size was large. Fish was a bit too watery but not unpleasant. Scampi and chips was standard pub grub. Reasonable value for money all around.

Excellent range of choices on menu, well cooked and presented food plus a very smart and comfortable space with friendly service. Plenty of dog biscuits too

Came out for some birthday drinks with my family. The staff were quick and efficient, despite it being a very busy night, we were never kept waiting for long. We were even allowed to sit in the Tudor room to provide a quieter space for...

Great place to eat, with great food amazing value for money and the staff are very friendly and attentive to your needs.